Farmers Look to Diversify Crops, Improve Profitability
DYERSBURG, Tenn. – Rice is the primary staple for more than half the world’s population, with the United States alone estimated to plant almost 3 million acres in 2025, according to the USDA. Most is grown in the Rice Belt, which includes Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi, and in other states such as California and Missouri. However, row crop producers in West Tennessee have begun adopting this small grain into their farm operations, gaining access to new international markets.
Thanks to support from University of Tennessee Extension, Schultz Family Farms in Dyersburg, Tennessee is now in its second year growing rice. “We decided to expand financial opportunities by not necessarily adding acres, but by trying to diversify crops. With corn and soybeans, we’re making record yields but still just breaking even. We couldn’t seem to find a window to make a good profit off normal crops within our current economic system,” says John Schultz.
Due to heavy spring rains, Schultz Family Farms was able to plant only 120 of their 250 available rice acres. To ensure fields stay flooded for weed control, extensive land alterations and infrastructure improvements were implemented, including irrigation and drainage systems. While most row crop acres can be adapted for rice cultivation, production is especially effective in northwest Tennessee thanks to abundant underground water near the Mississippi and Obion rivers.
“We have natural geographical advantages compared to inland regions of the state, as well as close proximity to well-established rice-producing communities in Arkansas,” says Terrell Davis, county director of UT-TSU Extension Dyer County. “However, rice is still a relatively new crop in Tennessee, so there are few mills or drying facilities on this side of the Mississippi River. But for many farmers, the benefits of participating in this global industry still outweigh the challenges.”
Rice is grown from spring through fall when temperatures are warm and precipitation is plentiful. Upon harvest, the grain is removed from the stalk and dried to reduce moisture levels that could cause spoilage. Then, the milling process removes the outer husk to produce brown rice and the underlying bran layer to produce white rice. After processing, rice is easy to store, efficient to transport and quick to cook. The USDA estimates that more than 40% of the United States’ total yield enters the international supply chain.
“We know market prices are always changing, so anytime you can diversify your farm, you’re better off. Tennessee might not ever be a top-producing rice state, but this commodity could open a lot of doors for farmers in these economically trying times,” says Davis.
For more information on rice production and other row crop practices, please contact your local county Extension office.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is comprised of the Herbert College of Agriculture, UT College of Veterinary Medicine, UT AgResearch and UT Extension. Through its land-grant mission of teaching, research and outreach, the Institute touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. to Tennesseans and beyond. utia.tennessee.edu.